Louie Mae "Lou" Sharp Pyatt Walker, age 83, of Heiskell, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at Parkwest Medical Center of Knoxville, Tennessee. Lou was born March 14, 1933. She was a graduate of Everett High School, Maryville, and Knoxville Business College. She was a 38-year employee of Oak Ridge National Laboratory X-10 in the Metals and Ceramics Division. Lou assisted, organized, and hosted along with Dr. C. J. McHargue two NATO Conferences in Italy for diamond metal research. Lou also made application for William D. Manly to receive the National Medal of Technology from President Bill Clinton, where she attended the ceremony in Washington, D.C. She was known as the "little blonde headed lady who wore high-heeled shoes." She sold Lindy Star and synthetic diamonds in her spare time. Lou enjoyed getting to know someone's life history in the first five minutes of conversation. She also enjoyed fishing, canning and cooking, camping with relatives and friends, square dancing, and church fellowship. Her character was like no other in that she knew what she wanted, when, and where. For many years Lou attended First Baptist Church, Clinton, and then became a member of Black Fox Primitive Baptist, Claiborne County, Tennessee.
She was born in the Sharp's Chapel area, Loyston, Tennessee, which is now TVA's Norris Lake. Reluctantly, her family moved to Maryville due to the creation of Norris Dam where they prospered in the Gulf Oil Corporation, Sharp's Brothers Service Station located downtown Maryville.
Preceded in death after 30 years of marriage by husband, Charles E. Pyatt; parents, Alfred Renfro Sharp and Dollie Sharp; brothers, Lillard, Plumer, Vertrue, Jewel, Fred, Boble, and Bill; and sister, Artie.
Survivors include husband of 19 years, Elder Richard Walker; daughter, Debra Pyatt-Poore and son-in-law, Johnny Poore, Heiskell; step daughters, Nikki Taylor, Maryville; Amanda and husband Adam Hood, Seymour; Bobbi and husband Steven Myers, Maryville; grandson, Hunter Poore, Heiskell; nine step grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many close friends.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 25, from 2-4 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral services will be held on Monday, September 26, at 1 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with graveside to follow at New Loyston Cemetery in Union County, Tennessee. Rev. Stan Elliott will officiate with the celebration of music by the late Elvis Presley and Edward and Edith Walker.
Pallbearers are: Hunter Poore, Bryan Brown, Otis Poore, Kevin Poore, Seth Poore, and Greg Brown.
The family wishes to sincerely thank all the friends, family, and loved ones that have supported Lou and family with their prayers and well wishes over the many years.